Golden Triangle and Mighty Brahmaputra

A superb value, once-in-a-lifetime holiday to the dazzling highlights of India, combining a 6-night Golden Triangle tour to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with a 7-night Brahmaputra river cruise through the national parks of the Assam Valley

This memorable journey starts in Delhi, where guided tours explore Old Delhi, the bazaars of Chandni Chowk and the Qutab Minar monument.

In Agra, visit the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal, the awe-inspiring wonder of the modern world. Discover the impressive Amber Fort and the Pink City of Jaipur before joining your ship on the majestic Brahmaputra river for an unforgettable adventure.

Flowing from high in the Tibetan Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, we join this mighty river to cruise through the UNESCO-listed national parks of the Assam Valley in North East India. Visit rural villages, Shiva temples and tea plantations, and enjoy elephant and boat safaris into Kaziranga National Park to seek one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, bison and a rich variety of birds.

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Golden Triangle and Mighty Brahmaputra Itinerary

Day 1 - UK - Delhi (India)

Take an overnight flight from the UK to Delhi.

Days 2-3 - Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for a two-night stay. Delhi is a lively city where modern amenities blend with traditional practices. Sir Edwin Lutyens drew up plans for the city in 1803. He wanted tree-lined avenues overlooked by spectacular architecture, now some of the most striking in the world. See the sights of Old Delhi on a guided tour. Admire the impressive Red Fort en route to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, before exploring the bazaars of Chandni Chowk and enjoying a drive past the India Gate, the president's estate and Parliament House. There is also an included visit to the Qutab Minar during your two-night stay in Delhi. (B)

Day 4 - Delhi - Agra

After breakfast, leave Delhi and travel to Agra and check-in to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort on the banks of the Jamuna River and encircled by impressive walls. Later, admire the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the greatest architectural wonders of the modern world. (B)

Day 5 - Agra - Jaipur

After breakfast, head to Jaipur visiting the magnificent Fatehpur Sikri along the way. The sandstone city of Jaipur was once the imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest Mughal emperor. With spectacular palaces and ornate mosques, the city is a delight to explore. (B)

Day 6 - Jaipur

Enjoy a half-day tour of the Amber Fort, an impressive fort overlooking the picturesque Aravalli hills. En route there will be a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, which has 953 windows overlooking the city. Later, arrive in the Pink City of Jaipur. See the City Palace in the centre which houses the Royal residence as well as fascinating museums. There is also the opportunity to visit Jantar Mantar, built by King Jai Singh II. (B)

Day 7 - Jaipur - Guwahati

Drive to the airport and board your early morning flight to Guwahati. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is a leisure. (B)

Day 8 - Guwahati - Peacock Island

Spend the morning at leisure before enjoying a drive to the Kamakhya Temple, devoted to Kama Khya, the goddess of desire. following the visit, head to Pandu Port to embark your ship, Mahabaahu. There is a short presentation on Peacock Island, renowned for its endangered Golden Langur, before you set sail along the Brahmaputra. Keep an eye out for Gangetic Dolphins before visiting Peacock Island. Back on board, there is a talk on Kamakhya and the Occult in Assam. Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj welcome dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Scenic cruising

Perhaps enjoy an onboard yoga class before breakfast. Later, there is a talk on Assam, its location and how it is gaining recognition. Enjoy a visit to a village occupied by a Bangla-Muslim community who practice extensive farming. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise towards Orang Point, enjoying a talk on the Brahmaputra river and tribal life. The ship anchors at a deserted island of the evening. Bonfire this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Silghat

After breakfast, there is a talk on the wildlife of Kaziranga and India. Enjoy scenic cruising over lunch, before arriving in Silghat. After a talk on Tea and Jute in Assam, drive to the Kaliabore Tea Estate to watch the tribal women picking tea leaves. You will gain an understanding of the processes involved in making Assam Tea. Later, enjoy a tour of a Jute Mill where you can see how the Jute material is turned into eco-friendly gunny bags. Please note: The tea factory visit is not available from mid-December to mid-February as the tea is at its dormant stage during this period. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Kaziranga National Park

Take an early drive to Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhino as well as wild elephants, tigers and buffalo. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari as you go in search of these magnificent animals. After breakfast, head to Bagori, the Western Range of the park and board a jeep to continue exploring. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This evening there is a talk on Kamakhya, the Occult and Peacock Island, followed a traditional Assamese dinner. Please note: In October and May, Kaziranga is closed, so you can enjoy a short Jeep safari to the outer areas of the park. The elephant safari is not possible but there will be the opportunity to ride them on the outskirts of the park. During this time, an additional boat safari is also available at the confluence of the Diphlu and Brahmaputra rivers. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Dhansiri

This morning, cruise towards the eastern range of Kaziranga for a boat safari. Enjoy breakfast and a talk on the Brahmaputra river, before boarding tenders to begin the boat safari. Keep an eye out for roofed turtles, water lizards, elephants, buffaloes and herons. Return to the ship for lunch and this evening watch a cooking demonstration by the chef. There is also a talk about Majuli Island before concluding the evening with a bonfire on a deserted island. Please note: Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if there are inclement weather conditions. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Mishing Village - Majuli Island

After breakfast, cruise towards the Mishing Village and on to Majuli, alive with Assamese culture. The Mishings live on the river bank in Chang ghars, houses with raised platforms. After lunch, there is a talk on Sibsagar and Ahom civilization, before a visit to Majuli Island. Later, enjoy a short drive to a corner of Satra for a cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Continue to Kamlabari Satra to see the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals and drums. Return to the ship for a traditional Assamese evening. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Neamati Ghat - Sibsagar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Sibsagar, an ancient city and capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms. Sibsagar was built around a man-made water tank ordered by the Ahom Queen. Later, explore the Shiva Dol, believed to be the tallest Shiva temple in India, as well as the Talatel, the palace of the Ahom Kings, and Rang Ghar, an impressive ampitheatre. Following the tour, head to a tea estate for a traditional Assamese lunch with a local family, involved in the tea-making industry for around a century. Return to the ship by sunset and spend time at leisure before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Jorhat - UK

Perhaps along an early morning walk along the swamps to catch a sight of yellow-footed green pigeons, hawk eagles and quails. After breakfast, head to Rowriah Airport in Jorhat for your return flight to the UK via Delhi or Kolkata. (B,L)

Additional Information

Day 10 The tea factory visit is not available from mid-December to mid-February as the tea is at its dormant stage during this period.

Day 11 In October and May, Kaziranga is closed, so you can enjoy a short Jeep safari to the outer areas of the park. The elephant safari is not possible but there will be the opportunity to ride them on the outskirts of the park. During this time, an additional boat safari is also available at the confluence of the Diphlu and Brahmaputra rivers.